The battery in your vehicle has several functions, but the most important is to store electricity for starting the vehicle's engine. Vehicle batteries need to fit properly and have the right amount of storage, or they may not work correctly, so you must find a replacement that meets your needs when it is time for a new one.
Battery Size
Vehicle batteries come in many physical sizes, and getting the one that fits your car or truck is crucial. Many vehicles have a limited amount of space in the engine compartment for the battery, making the size and shape of the case essential.
Vehicle batteries are listed in groups, so look at the sticker on the top to find the group number for your OE battery. The group will determine the physical size, where the posts or connections are on the case, and how the battery is restrained in the vehicle.
Once you find the correct group number, you can narrow down the requirements for your vehicle further and find the best replacement battery for your car or truck.
Cold Cranking Amps
The power rating for each battery is also listed on the top and may be shown as cranking amps (CA) or cold cranking amps(CCA). This number is essential when looking at replacement vehicle batteries as it determines how much power each one has to start a car or truck.
The higher the CCA rating, the more likely the battery is to start your car in the middle of winter, but this should not be confused with the battery voltage rating.
Most modern vehicles use a twelve-volt electrical system, but you need to check your OE battery to ensure you don't have something different. RV batteries, for instance, are often twelve volts but connected in series to produce a higher voltage in the system. Antique cars often have a lower voltage system, so if you have one with the original charging and ignition system, you will need the correct battery for that older system.
Vehicle batteries may sound challenging to select and replace, but if you are unsure what you need, any auto parts store or local repair shop can help you select the correct one, and most will install it for you while you wait. The installation on the majority of cars only takes a few minutes. However, some vehicle batteries are in strange locations, like under the rear seat or inside a fender well, that are harder to get to, and those often require a professional mechanic to replace them.
Contact a professional for more information about vehicle batteries.
Share20 March 2023
The first time my car battery died, I was at a complete loss about where to start. I got a jump start to get my car running, and went to the local auto repair center to have it tested. The mechanic took one look, didn't even connect anything to it, before telling me it was definitely bad. I asked him how he could tell at a glance, and he pointed out that the sides were bulging. The battery was swollen. I had no idea that such a thing could happen, so I started learning everything I could about how car batteries work, what kind of care they need, and the warning signs of a problem. Had I recognized them sooner, I could have avoided a break-down. I created this site to each others what I learned. I hope the information here helps you understand your car's battery better.
